FC Dallas is partnering with a soccer club in Portugal to develop talent. Benfica has won 38 league championships and two European Cups.
The two clubs' youth academies will work together.
"This is a big moment for FC Dallas," says FC Dallas President Dan Hunt. "We have generations of great players coming through FC Dallas. This partnership will help us raise the level of players we have here, not only at FC Dallas but for U.S. National Team programs."
Hunt says Benfica has "unrivaled" scouting experience, and he says the agreement will help FC Dallas develop great players.
"Our vision is to develop the next Patrick Mahomes of soccer," Hunt says. Hunt was at the Super Bowl last weekend, and his brother owns the Kansas City Chiefs.
FC Dallas opens the 2024 season at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, hosting San Jose February 24.
In 2023, the club advanced to the MLS playoffs but lost in the first round. Hunt says he has confidence in this year's team with the signing of Petar Musa to play alongside Jesús Ferreira.
"Our goal is to keep this group together," Hunt says. "Our goal is to lift trophies. That is the ultimate goal."
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